Study Programmes 2015-2016
MATH0055-2  
Mathematics for Economic and management sciences (Part 1)
Duration :
60h Th, 45h Pr
Number of credits :
Bachelor in economics and business management7
Lecturer :
Isabelle Pays
Language(s) of instruction :
French language
Organisation and examination :
All year long, with partial in January
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Course contents :
  • Summation notation, Newton's binomial formula
  • Elementary functions (polynomials, power functions, exponential functions, logarithmic functions).
  • One variable calculus (limits, continuity, dérivatives).
  • Financial maths: simple and compounded interest, present value, motgages, internal rate of return.
  • Multivariable calculus (essentially 2 variables) (Introduction: graphs, level curves, partial dérivatives, linear approximations).
  • Matrix algebra, determinants, systems of linear equations.
  • Linear programming, an introduction.
Every topic is illustrated with a great variety of examples in mamangement as well as in economics.
Learning outcomes of the course :
Accordingly to the programm's intended learning outcomes,i.e. "Use adequately the mathematics, the statistics or the IT tools in the context of the management or the economics", with this course the student will


  • acquire the mathematical tools needed in the models used in economics as well as the basics to be able to undertake statistics courses, essential for futur managers or economists.
  • be aware of the need to think, to reason rigorously, argue, interpret (from a practical point of view) results and communicate its approach and conclusions in the context and the appropriate language.
  • be able to structure and to organize knowledge so that it can integrate them later in his studies and later in his career.
The student is not asked to produce mathematics but to take them under control in such a way that he/she will be able to use them in the context of management and economics.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills :
Elementary algebra : fraction, power, operations priority, proper use of parenthesis; First and second degree functions and their graphs.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods :
In addition to the ongoing large group classes, exercise sessions are held in small groups. Formative evaluations ("blank exams") are organized.
Selected exercises are to prepare outside of class and before the exercise sessions. The exercises will be announced a few days to prepare in advance. 
Personal work, outside of class sessions and exercises is expected of the student throughout the year. Regular work is essential to achieve the objectives.
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :
Recommended or required readings :
"Mathématique pour l'économie" dont les auteurs sont Knut Sydesaeter et Peter Hammond avec la collaboration de Arne Strom. (4e édition, PEARSON.) ISBN: 978-2-3260-0032-2 Disponible à la centrale des cours (N1)
 translation of:
"Essential Mathematics for Economic Analysis" dont les auteurs sont Knut Sydesaeter et Peter Hammond. (4e édition, PEARSON.) ISBN: 978-0-273-76068-9 (La 3e édition convient aussi.) Disponible à la centrale des cours (N1)
  Several documents will be available on the course website : New lol@: http://newlola.hec.ulg.ac.be/ (Identification needed to access MATH0055-2)
Assessment methods and criteria :
Written exams, including partial in January on the matter of the first term (which may lead to a partial exemption).
Part by MCQ (multiple choice questions), 40% of the result.
It is strictly forbidden to carry a mobile phone or other electronic device, even swiched off. Failure to comply with this rule will cancel the exam, that is to say it will lead to a score of 0.
 Two "blank exams" during the year, for training. The students that register for the firts time for this course must take these "blank exams". (For students who actually took the exam the previous year, the "blank exam" is optional.)
Work placement(s) :
Organizational remarks :
The course is taught in French.
Mobile phones, tablets and other computers are not useful during the course and impair concentration. These devices must be switched off, alarm deactivated, during the courses.
Contacts :
Instructor : I. Pays, HEC-Ecole de Gestion de l'Ulg, Rue Louvrex, 14, Liège. (Bât. N1, Local 327), Tél. : 04 232 7302 - E-mail: Isabelle.Pays@ulg.ac.be
Assistants:
S. Maron, Bât. N1, Local 306. Tél. : 04 232 73 01 - E-mail : Sabine.Maron@ulg.ac.be
M.-C. Cillis, Bât. N1, Local 306. Tél. : 04 232 73 41 - E-mail : mccillis@ulg.ac.be
C. Balthasart, Bât. N1, Local 306. Tél. : 04 232 73 15 - E-mail : cbalthasart@ulg.ac.be
Items online :
Course web site
The slides and other documents will be available during the year on the course web site.